Bali Kingdom (Kerajaan Bali)

 

Bali Kingdom (Kerajaan Bali)

Period:

• The Bali Kingdom emerged after the decline of the Majapahit Empire in the 15th century. Bali became a refuge for Majapahit nobles and cultural traditions, preserving Hindu-Javanese culture.

Location:

• The kingdom was centered in Bali Island, particularly around areas like Gianyar, Ubud, and Klungkung.

Religion and Culture:

• Predominantly Hindu (Balinese Hinduism), preserving Majapahit rituals, art, dance, and literature.
• Bali became a cultural stronghold when Islam spread across Java.
• Art, architecture, and literature flourished, with temples like Pura Besakih symbolizing spiritual and political authority.

Political Structure:

• Ruled by rulers titled “Raja”, often with a hierarchical system of regional lords.
• The kingdom was divided into smaller principalities, each with local leaders under the king.

Economy:

• Based on agriculture, particularly rice farming, supported by the subak irrigation system.
• Trade with neighboring islands and foreign traders occurred, especially in spices and handicrafts.

Notable Historical Points:

• After Majapahit’s fall, many Javanese nobles fled to Bali, strengthening its culture and political structure.
• Bali maintained relative independence from Islamic kingdoms in Indonesia.
• European contact began in the 16th century with Portuguese and later Dutch traders, but full Dutch colonization happened in the early 20th century (1906–1908).

Legacy:

• Bali is known today for its strong Hindu culture, arts, and traditional ceremonies, which trace back to the Bali Kingdom era.
• Balinese culture is often regarded as a continuation of classical Majapahit civilization.

Timeline of the Bali Kingdom

13th–14th Century

• Bali influenced by Majapahit Empire from East Java.
• Javanese culture, Hinduism, and administrative systems begin to spread in Bali.

15th Century

• Decline of Majapahit in Java leads to Javanese nobles and priests fleeing to Bali.
• Bali becomes a cultural and political refuge, strengthening its Hindu-Javanese traditions.

16th Century

• The kingdom is divided into smaller principalities, each ruled by local kings under the main Bali king.
• European traders, especially Portuguese, begin visiting Bali, mainly for spices and trade.

17th–18th Century

• Bali experiences internal conflicts among principalities, such as Buleleng, Klungkung, and Gianyar.
• The Klungkung Kingdom rises as a symbolic political and cultural center.
• Bali maintains independence from Islamic sultanates in Java and Lombok.

1846–1849

• Dutch military expeditions begin in Bali, attacking northern and southern kingdoms.
• Bali resists colonization fiercely, maintaining traditional governance and culture.

1906–1908

• Dutch conquest of Bali reaches its peak:
• 1906: Dutch attack Badung.
• 1908: Dutch attack Klungkung.
• Many Balinese rulers commit puputan (ritual mass suicide) rather than surrender.
• Bali becomes fully under Dutch colonial rule, ending its political independence.

Post-1908 Legacy

• Balinese culture, religion, and art survive, preserving Hindu-Javanese traditions.
• Bali becomes known as a cultural hub in Indonesia, influencing arts, ceremonies, and literature.